Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
For adults who are struggling in their work or personal life, diagnosing ADHD could be a crucial step in gaining control. A thorough evaluation is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. This involves examining the school records and filling out questionnaires completed by caregivers and teachers.
It is not unusual for adults to be diagnosed with ADHD. NIMH provides tips on how to talk with your doctor about the disorder.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult is usually the first step to gain control over the symptoms that cause havoc on one's professional and personal lives. The first step is to talk to your GP or seek out an expert in mental health who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If your GP is unfamiliar with ADHD, he or she could refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment.
Typically an expert in mental health will use an eight-question ADHD screener to determine whether you may be suffering from the condition, according to Adler. Then, the doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and examine your medical history and family history to make sure that other medical conditions are not causing your ADHD-like symptoms.
Because people with ADHD are more likely to overlook details and become easily distracted, they often struggle with following directions or listening in class or on the job. They are often unable to locate important items required for tasks or activities like keys, wallets and other tools. They might also have difficulty staying focused when they are reading long speeches or assignments. Fidgeting, excessive talk or texting, or squirming, are other symptoms of adult ADHD.
When determining whether someone has adult ADHD it is essential to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression, anxiety bipolar disorder, anxiety and addiction to drugs. Stress and physical conditions like thyroid problems can also be a source of ADHD symptoms. In the DSM-5 professionals are required to consider the severity of a person's symptoms when determining if they are suffering from ADHD. Mild, moderate and severe are the classifications for adult ADHD.
Many people suffering from ADHD go their whole lives without ever receiving a diagnosis because it is not apparent in the early years. For adults, a diagnosis could be a life-changing event because they can finally understand why they struggled in school and could not achieve their full potential at work or at home. They may feel guilt-ridden for blaming their troubles on themselves or others, and they can experience regret over missed opportunities that could have been achieved in the event that they had been properly treated.
Treatment
To receive treatment for ADHD for adults, the first step is to talk with a healthcare professional. This can be done in person or through a video calls. Only psychiatrists, psychologists, and specialist nurses are qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK. The specialist will require information about your medical history as well as family-related mental health issues. This is because many emotional and physical conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, and these must be addressed before the diagnosis can be made.
The doctor will inquire about your job and lifestyle and how your symptoms affect your life. They will be particularly interested in whether or not you showed symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12 years old. They might also interview those who knew you in childhood and ask about their memories.
A thorough medical history will aid the doctor in determining if you require medication or other treatments. This is due to the fact that certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, thyroid issues and lead poisoning can cause symptoms of ADHD. Adults who have a history of anxiety or depression need to be assessed and treated more carefully, as these conditions often are in synergy.
If a medical professional believes that you need medication, they will prescribe a suitable medicine. The type of medicine you need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for ADHD. They are not for all people and the first treatment you try might not work or cause unwanted adverse consequences. Your healthcare provider may ask if you are taking any other medication. This includes prescription drugs, supplements, and prescription drugs. Certain types of drugs can interact with ADHD stimulants.
Counseling is a crucial part of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Individual therapy can help you deal with the feelings of disappointment, underachievement and frustration that are often associated with untreated ADHD. It can help you learn to control your anger, as well as improve your time management and organizational skills.
It is crucial to find a healthcare professional that specializes in mental illness. A psychiatrist or neurologist is able to diagnose and treat ADHD. However it is recommended to consult a specialist psychotherapist. These specialists are likely to be more knowledgeable about the difficulties of treating adults with ADHD and have experience helping others who have similar issues. You can use search engines like ADDitude or your local mental health clinic to find a specialist who works with adults who have ADHD.
Medication
A diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards managing your symptoms and improving life. If you're struggling to achieve your full potential in the workplace, have difficulty maintaining relationships, or have difficulty completing tasks at home, an ADHD diagnosis might be just what you need.
how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult for adults begins with a thorough interview and review of your medical history, including the symptoms you've experienced. The psychiatrist or psychologist will then determine if American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for ADHD apply to you. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have at least five symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that persist throughout most of your day and interfere with social, academic or professional functioning.
Adults who are not treated for ADHD frequently have coexisting disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Jaksa says that these disorders can worsen or cause symptoms of ADHD. A constant stress and anger over inadequate performance can cause feelings of low self-esteem Jaksa says. "Getting diagnosed can help these individuals gain a perspective on the causes of their struggles. This could help alleviate or eliminate their anxiety and enable them to focus on areas where they excel," Jaksa states.
The most effective treatment for adults suffering from ADHD is usually the combination of therapy and medication. The stimulants help improve concentration, reduce the risk of impulsive behavior, and help with the process of organizing. These drugs can improve moods and increase motivation in a variety of cases. Some of the side effects of stimulants include insomnia and difficulties drinking or eating enough. Mood swings can also occur in those who take stimulants for ADHD and they are often difficult to manage.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you're eligible for clinical trials of new medications or treatments. These studies assist researchers in finding better ways to diagnose, prevent or treat diseases.
Counseling
Untreated ADHD can cause issues in all areas of your life. The effects of procrastination, among others, can have a negative impact on your relationships, career, and financial health. Getting a diagnosis and seeking treatment is the first step towards reduce the negative impact and regaining control of your life.
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD didn't receive a diagnosis when they were children because their parents and teachers weren't aware of the disorder or they had mild symptoms that were not noticed. Certain adults may be able to manage their symptoms as children, but had difficulty with them in adulthood due to increased work and family obligations.
To be diagnosed with ADHD mental health professionals must find that your symptoms cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of your life. Impaired can be losing your job due to a deficit in focus and organization skills or being placed on academic probation at your college because you are unable to study for tests.
Women are more adept at hiding their symptoms than men, which could make it harder for them to get a diagnosis. If you suffer from ADHD symptoms that affect your work or home life, you can accelerate the process of diagnosis by being open with your doctor. You might also be able to get reasonable accommodations under ADA laws and other workplace laws.
Regardless of the type of ADHD you suffer from the mental health professional will see that your symptoms began prior to age 12. They might ask you to speak to people who were close to you at this time, and they might also conduct a series of tests to test your attention and memory.
When you receive a diagnosis the therapist will suggest a combination of medication and non-medication therapies to manage your symptoms. Most people will try various treatments before they find the best one. Keep a journal of your progress, and make sure to consult your doctor frequently to modify your treatment plan if needed.